The ultimate nature expedition

Day 2: Embarkation in Ushuaia
In the afternoon, group transfer from the hotel to the pier, where the MS Sea Spirit docked in the morning. Your expedition team will welcome you aboard the small, comfortable expedition ship that will be your home for the next few days. Enjoy the departure and the impressive scenery of the Beagle Channel.

Days 4-5: The Falkland Islands
The remote and sparsely populated Falkland Islands are every ornithologist's dream. Possible landings on at least one of the outer islands with large and easily accessible colonies of penguins and albatrosses. Fur seals and elephant seals frolic on the sandy beaches, while whales and dolphins can be observed in the water. The route depends heavily on the wind conditions in this area.

A visit to Port Stanley, the small British "capital" of the Falkland Islands, is also planned. Everything is close together in Stanley: the Falkland Museum on the promenade, the Governor's House, the cathedral with its imposing triumphal arch, the war memorial, and the many souvenir shops, pubs, and restaurants.

Days 8-12: South Georgia
The real expedition cruise begins! The route in South Georgia depends heavily on the weather and, above all, the wind conditions in this remote region. Your experienced captain and expedition leader will determine the route and landings on a daily basis and plan according to local conditions in order to offer the best expedition experience. Every opportunity will be taken to bring you closer to this extraordinary region!

South Georgia is unique: breathtaking scenery that leaves you speechless, combined with a paradise for countless species of animals. It is estimated that around 100 million seabirds, including albatrosses, penguins, shearwaters, and terns, visit the island during the breeding season. Beaches such as Salisbury Plain and St. Andrews Bay are densely populated by over 100,000 pairs of king penguins and hundreds of fur seals. Interestingly, a program to eradicate the mice and rats introduced by whalers is proving successful, and the population of ground-nesting birds is recovering and slowly returning to its former state.

Today, more and more whales are returning to the waters around South Georgia. At the historic whaling station of Grytviken, the station manager's house has been converted into an excellent museum, run by the South Georgia Heritage Trust. In Grytviken, you can also visit the final resting place of the legendary polar explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton.

The days in South Georgia are packed with landings and activities, lectures, and amazement. In South Georgia, you never know where to look, because there is something to discover everywhere. You will not only take home lots of photos, but also unforgettable memories.

Days 15-18: The South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula

In Antarctica too – and especially here – the route depends heavily on the weather and ice conditions. The route is determined on site and adapted to the daily conditions. Every opportunity is used to the full to experience this fantastic region – whether on landings or on excursions with the stable Zodiacs.

The Antarctic Peninsula region is home to some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world. Sheltered bays and narrow channels are enclosed by high, snow-capped mountains and surrounded by glaciers. Icebergs of all shapes and sizes float around the MS Sea Spirit as it safely navigates its way through this icy paradise.

The cold water provides an ideal habitat for krill, whales, and many species of seals. Penguins populate large colonies and can also be observed at sea—they are nimble and cute swimmers. Several research stations also offer the opportunity to visit and get a glimpse of the lives of researchers in the ice.

The South Shetland Islands are the northernmost archipelago in Antarctica. This beautiful chain of islands offers landing sites with high biodiversity and historical significance. Among other places, it is home to Elephant Island, where the men of Shackleton's Endurance expedition spent many months waiting to be rescued.

Further south on the Antarctic Peninsula is Gerlach Strait, with interesting bays that are often sheltered from the wind and rich in wildlife, as well as unforgettable scenery. Names such as Paradise Bay sum it up perfectly, as they reveal glacier-covered mountains, large icebergs, whales searching for food, seals on ice floes, and bustling penguin colonies.

Day 21: Disembarkation in Ushuaia, Argentina
In the morning, we will arrive back in Ushuaia. A group transfer will take you to the airport or city center, depending on your preference. As you look back on your journey, you may already be looking forward to your next adventure in the ice!

Note for booking your return flight: Disembarkation usually takes place between 8 and 9 a.m. (after breakfast). We recommend booking your return flight from Ushuaia for 12 noon at the earliest.